New limit set for tire chemical that kills coho salmon

EVERETT — Washington will be the first state to set a numeric, freshwater limit for 6PPD-quinone — a chemical that helps tires last longer and is known to kill coho salmon before they spawn.

Last week, the state Department of Ecology established new limits for over 20 other toxic chemicals, in addition to 6PPD, to protect aquatic life in marine and fresh waters.

“This is really the first step in the right direction,” said Bryson Finch, a toxicologist for Ecology’s water quality program. “It was an opportune time to review the science.”

Ecology’s new limit for 6PPD-quinone is set at 0.012 micrograms per liter. The new standards will officially become effective in Washington on Sept. 14, though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has to conduct a separate approval process.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-limit-set-for-tire-chemical-that-kills-coho-salmon/